Kayla Salonen

Biography

Kayla Salonen is the clinical and lab instructor for the respiratory care program in Sioux Falls with a clinical practice site at Sanford Medical Center. After receiving her bachelor’s degree in biology from Morningside College, she attended Dakota State University and graduated with her associate’s degree in respiratory care in 2015.
Since obtaining her licensure as a registered respiratory therapist in 2015, she has worked for Sanford Medical Center in Sioux Falls. Throughout her years at Sanford, she has been oriented to all critical care areas including neonatal, pediatric, adult, the emergency room and AirMed's flight team. She is currently a Neonatal ICU Core team member, preceptor, and in 2020 she obtained her Neonatal-Pediatric Specialist licensure.
In May 2021, Kayla took on the role of clinical and lab instructor for the respiratory care program. She currently teaches lecture, clinicals and labs in Respiratory Care Physical Science, Pathophysiology for Respiratory Care, Communication Skills for Respiratory Care and Advanced Concepts in Adult and Neonatal/Pediatric Respiratory Care. She is the faculty advisor to the student-led Respiratory Care Club and enjoys being involved with IPE simulation lab.